Homeowner Shoots Suspect in Attempted Burglary

ROCKFORD (WIFR) -- Just in time for Valentine’s Day, a man tried to break into his ex-girlfriend's house last night--but instead of sweet nothings he got some gunshot wounds.

41-year-old Chauncey Williams tried to break into his ex-girlfriend's home around 10 pm Monday night. Instead of welcoming him inside, police say his ex shot at him from behind the front door. Multiple bullets hit him in the arm. Williams was let out of prison in August; he was locked up in 2006 for trying to do the same thing. He was supposed to serve a 10-year sentence, but got out of prison five years early.

Winn. Co. Detective Dominic Iasparro said, "They have not been together recently. There’s been a significant period of time since they've been together, so exactly what his intent was--we’re not sure. He had gone to the penitentiary for a prior incident involving the same victim."

The Winnebago County State's Attorney is charging Williams with attempted residential burglary. He’s under police guard at a local hospital.

ROCKFORD (WIFR) -- Late Monday night, at approximately 10:15P.M. Winnebago County Sheriff’s Deputies were sent to the 1600 block of Prairie Ave in reference to a Burglary and Shooting. Upon arrival they located a male with gunshot wounds to his arms. He was identified as Chauncey A. Williams (DOB 9-9-70/41yrs old). He was located in a yard near the location of the burglary.

Williams was transported to a local hospital and admitted for treatment.

Investigation at the scene determined that Williams had attempted to forcibly enter the front door of the residence, which was occupied by a female that Williams had a prior relationship with.

As Williams attempted to make entry the female fired several rounds from a handgun through the door striking Williams. He then walked from the scene and was taken into custody by responding deputies.

The investigation was reviewed by the Winnebago County State’s Attorney’s Office and a charge of Attempted Residential Burglary was authorized against Williams. A warrant was obtained and he is under Police guard at the hospital.

The charge against Williams is merely an accusation. He is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

The investigation is on-going. A photo of Williams accompanies this release.

Online Public Information File

Viewers with disabilities can get assistance accessing this station's FCC Public Inspection File by contacting the station with the information listed below. Questions or concerns relating to the accessibility of the FCC's online public file system should be directed to the FCC at 888-225-5322, 888-835-5322 (TTY), or fccinfo@fcc.gov.